Exclusive | Ryan Williams: 'Last 3 years been most transformative'
Australian footballer Ryan Williams discusses his three-year tenure with Bengaluru FC and his integration into Indian football culture. He expresses a commitment to mentoring younger players and supporting the growth of the Indian national team.
Why it matters
The piece highlights the globalization of football and the impact of international players on the development of local sports leagues in India.
Ryan Williams arrived in India as an Australian footballer looking for a new challenge. Three years later, the Bengaluru FC winger has become one of the Indian national team's most vocal advocates, embracing both the club and the country as home.The 32-year-old has experienced near misses with Bengaluru FC, adapting to Indian football, and the responsibility of mentoring younger players while representing India. Despite a six-year trophy drought at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, he believes the club is closer to success than results suggest.In this conversation with TimesofIndia.com, Williams, who was roped in by JSW Sports recently, speaks about Bengaluru FC's title ambitions, manager Pep Muñoz's philosophy, the OCI debate, national team pride, and why life in Bengaluru has been an enjoyable chapter of his career.Excerpts:Q.
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